Abstract

Oscar Wilde’s only novel The Picture of Dorian Gray which focus on the relation of art and social morality serves as the best embodiment of Wilde’s Aesthetic morality. Based on the criticism about aesthetic theory and moral judgment of Oscar Wilde's aestheticism, in this paper the author tries to put forward a new perspective on research of the Oscar Wilde’s Aestheticism Morality. Although Wilde calls for the dependence of art from morality, that doesn’t mean exclude morality concern in literary works, on the contrary, he raises the pursuit of beauty to a moral level to resist secular moral standards. From this perspective the author analysis the double manifestations of both aesthetic thoughts and moral sense demonstrated in the main characters by applying close reading method. And reveal the inherent meaning of Oscar Wilde’s aesthetic morality and seeking for its features and historical reasons. 

Key words: Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, Morality

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter I Features of Aesthetic Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray-3

1.1The Independence of Art From Morality-3

1.2 Artistic Autonomy and Morality Judgment-5

Chapter II Aesthetic Morality Reflected in Major Characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray-7

2.1 Basil Hallward: Worshipper of Beauty and Guardian of Morality-7

2.2 Lord Henry: Secular Artist and Cynic of Morality-7

2.3 Dorian Gray: Fervent Aesthete with Moral Anxiety-8

Chapter III  Reasons for Aesthetic Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray-9

3.1 The Modern Interest In Greek Culture-9

3.2 Criticism of Victorian Age-10

Conclusion-10